Adam Torkildson
Written by Helena Jackson
Abraham Lincoln’s children’s names with great respect and intention. In their house on 8th and Jackson streets, Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd, had four children.
Abraham Lincoln’s First Child’s Name
In 1843, the Lincoln and his wife had their firstborn son. They named him Robert Todd Lincoln after Mary’s father, Robert Smith Todd. Robert would be the only child of theirs that reached adulthood (living until he was a few days shy of eighty-three) and grew to have a successful career as a lawyer and businessman. He graduated from Harvard University in 1864, becoming president of the Pullman Car Company in 1897, and serving as Secretary of War under Presidents Garfield and Arthur. Later President Harrison would appoint Robert as minister to Great Britain.
Abraham Lincoln’s Second Child’s Name
In 1846, Mary gave birth to another boy who they named Edward Baker Lincoln, or “Eddie,” after Lincoln’s friend and political ally, Edward Baker. At three years and ten months old, Eddie would pass away from a long battle with illness.
Abraham Lincoln’s Third Child’s Name
The Lincoln’s third son, named William Wallace Lincoln, or “Willie,” would be born ten months after his brother’s death — in December 1850. He was named for his uncle, William Wallace, who was married to Mary’s sister. He lived until he was eleven years old, in 1862, during his father’s tragic last year of presidency.
Abraham Lincoln’s Fourth Child’s Name
The youngest of the Lincoln children was born in 1853. He was named Thomas Lincoln, after his paternal grandfather, but Abraham soon nicknamed him “Tad” (short for “Tadpole”), allegedly because of how the boy looked as an infant. Tad was a boisterous and mischievous child, often playing pranks with the help of his brother Willie. Tad would die at the age of 18, in 1871, six years after his father’s death.
